Rajasthan Desert Festival

Destination

DELHI-AGRA-JAIPUR-MANDAWA-BIKANER-JAISALMER-JODHPUR

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: OCTOBER TO APRIL

10 Days / 09 Nights

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Trip Highlights

Rajasthan known as “the land of kings” is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the northwest of India. It comprises most of the area of the large, inhospitableThar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, which parallels the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with Pakistanto the west. The Desert Festival is a three-day extravaganza of colour, music and festivity, held at the golden city of Jaisalmer.

Day Wise Plan

Day 01: Arrive – Delhi

Welcome to India- a country where hospitality is a way of life ; to a culture steeped in tradition, a land where history lives in music and dance. Shikhar Travel’s representative and your guide will receive you at the airport in a traditional manner and escort you to your hotel for stay. Afternoon go for half day sightseeing including Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, India Gate, etc

Overnight stay in Delhi.

Day 02: Delhi – Agra (206 Kms/5 hrs)

Morning drive down to Agra. On arrival proceed to visit Agra Fort -( Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. More often than not, the Agra Fort is overshadowed by the pristine beauty of the Taj, but for those looking for something beyond romance, the Agra Fort is worth seeing. Later visit Taj Mahal at sunset – the jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally admired masterpieces of the world’s heritage. Defined as “A Tear on the Face of Eternity”, this white-splendored tomb was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his favourite wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, better known as Mumtaz Mahal .

Overnight stay in your hotel at Agra.

Day 03: Agra – Jaipur (256 kms/5 hrs)

Morning, drive down to reach Jaipur while visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route. Fatehpur Sikri (40 kms west of Agra, is built a city predominantly in Red Sandstone and is called Fatehpur Sikri was built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar during 1570 and 1585. It is one of the finest examples of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, derived from the Persian & Hindu architecture).

Arrive Jaipur and check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 04: Jaipur

Morning after breakfast, we will take you for a guided exploration of The Classical Amber Fort – Splendid fort constructed in a scenic locale. An inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate refinement. Enjoy an elephant ride while climbing up a top of the hill or Fort. Afternoon pay a visit to the City Palace – (the main palace which is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture), Jantar Mantar – (The Observatory). On the way back to hotel photo stop for Hawa Mahal – (The Wind Palace). Evening at Leisure.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 05: Jaipur – Mandawa (150 kms/3 hrs)

Drive to Mandawa, klnown as a Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan” (The semi-desert region of Shekhawati, lying in the triangular region between Delhi, Jaipur and Bikaner, is famous for its plethora of Painted Havelis (Mansions),
Evening visit many wonderful things such as Cenotaphs, Step wells, beautifully painted Havelis and Old Streets.

Overnight stay at hotel in Mandawa.

Day 06: Mandawa – Bikaner (175 kms/4 hrs)

Continue your drive to Bikaner. Here we will visit Junagarh Fort is an unassailable fortress, which has never been conquered. Built in 1593 A.D. by Raja Rai Singh, one of the most distinguished generals in the army of Emperor Akbar, the fort is a formidable structure encircled by a moat. Bhandasar Jain Temple/ Bhanda Shah Jain Temple: The two-storied Bhandasar Jain Temple is among the most enchanting Bikaner tourist attractions. Spend the evening at leisure / free for independent activities.

Overnight stay in Bikaner.

Day 07: Bikaner – Jaisalmer (330 kms/6 hrs)

Morning after breakfast proceed for Jaisalmer via Pokharan. . .After reaching Jaiselmer , visit the famous Hevelis before sundown, we will try to catch a glimpse of the setting sun on the Golden Fort. You will then be dropped at the venue of the festival enjoy the grand cultural program by Rajasthani folk artists in a perfect milieu.

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaislalmer.

Day 08: Jaislalmer

Morning after breakfast have a guided tour of Jaisalmer, including Sonar Kila, the golden fort which rises out of a rock of topaz. The entire living area of Jaisalmer lies within the gigantic citadel halls. Visit the 12th century Fort built by Prince Jaisal & the Palace which stands at the highest point (100 metres) above the marketplace hilltop .In the afternoon enjoy the various activities in Festival area.

The high points of the festival are – puppeteers, acrobats, camel tattoo show, camel races, camel polo, traditional procession, camel mounted band , folk dances, etc. Proud mustached villagers, dressed in their ethnic best come astride their picturesquely caparisoned camels to join in the camel dances and competitions of camel acrobatics. Tug of war and Panihari Matka race are the events where visitors to the fair can participate and enjoy the thrill and taste of traditions.
The turban tying competitions are big draws and laughter. The Mr. Desert competitions, which are focused around the length and style of moustaches and rustic physique wrapped in traditional costumes, many visitors

Overnight stay at hotel in Jaislalmer.

Day 09: Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (290 kms/6 hrs)

Morning after breakfast drive down to Jodhpur. On arrival we will take you a guided city tour covering Mehrangarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. Within the fort there are beautiful palaces, and a display of royal arms and artifacts. Also visit the Jaswant Thada an imposing marble cenotaph, built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant singh II around 1899

Overnight stay at hotel in Jodhpur.

Day 10: Jodhpur – Delhi / Mumbai & Depart (Flight)

In time transfer to airport to board flight to Delhi / Mumbai. Arrive & further board international flight for onward destination.